Human Body - From the viewpoint of Ayurveda (Part II)

Human Body - From the viewpoint of Ayurveda (Part II)

 

Tatra shariram naam chetanadhishtanabhutam |

Panchmahabhootvikar samudayatmakam samyogavahi ||

 

Chaitanya (Consciousness) and the elements arising out of panchmahabhootas (Five basic principles earth, fire, water, air, space or ether) form the body.

 

As the body is formed out of panchmahabhootas (Five basic principles earth, fire, water, air, space or ether), the five sense organs in the body possess the virtues of these panchmahabhootas (Five basic principles earth, fire, water, air, space or ether). The characteristics of akasha (space or ether), that is shabda ( sound ) is received by the ears. The characteristics of vayu (air), that is sparsha (touch) is perceived through the skin. Characteristics of teja (Fire), that is roopa (view) is seen through the eyes. Characteristics of aapa (water), that is rasa (taste) is perceived through the tongue. The characteristics of the prithvi (earth), that is gandha (smell) is perceived through nose. That means the body formed out of panchamahabhootas (Five basic principles earth, fire, water, air, space or ether) through its five sensory organs perceives the characteristics of those panchamahbhootas. The nature of the panchamahabhootas in the other organs of the body is as under :

 

Parthiv Bhav ( Earthly nature ) : Nails, bones, teeth, flesh, skin, excretion, beard, body hair, hair etc

Jaliya Bhav ( Nature of water ) : Fluids, kapha, pitta, urine, perspiration, and saliva

Aagneya Bhav ( Nature of fire ): Pitta, heat, the glow of the body, view, eyesight etc

Vayviya bhav ( Nature of air ): Breathing, blinking and opening of the eyelids, speed, inspiration, dharana etc

Aakashiya bhav ( Nature of space ) : All holes, hollow places, small and big strota, vocal system and ear system

 

Thus, the body formed out of panchamahabhootas, while working gets burned down or degenerated. "Shiryate tat shariram", that which degenerates is known as body. The body elements degenerate and get lost again in panchmahabhootas. The same are again formed anew. The body actually demands for their new formation from the surrounding panchamahabhoutik nature. The elements in the surrounding panchmahabhoutic nature are picked up willingly by the body and assimilated. The symptoms such as desire, hunger, and thirst are commonly felt. Also, hatred towards the element, which has been created in excess is also born. In any natural process, these three things are included.

 

To be continued…